A dramatic high angle rescue brought two hikers to safety in an area near Punta Norte Resort north of Summerland Monday night.

Members of Penticton Search and Rescue and the Fire Rescue Team joined forces in the rescue and the Naramata Fire Rescue boat was also involved.

The teams were called in shortly before 7 p.m. for an injured female hiker and her male companion who were caught over a 350 foot embankment.

The only access was from the top of Highway 97.

SAR mobilized a 22 person team while Naramata Fire Rescue positioned a rescue boat at the bottom of the embankment.

PENSAR manager Ryanne Volrich, says responders were lowered with a stretcher to the hikers and determined it would be safer to lower the pair to the waiting boat below.

They were then transported to a nearby beach and handed over to BC Ambulance for evaluation.

"PENSAR is fortunate to have such a dedicated rope rescue group within the organization which is a specialty that takes practice and commitment of its members," said Volrich.

"Just this past weekend six more volunteer members had just returned from a two-and-a-half day rope rescue training session in Kamloops and, within 24 hours, those skills were being deployed to help someone in need."

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